By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu | Bo City
Bo City came alive on Wednesday as it warmly welcomed the King’s Baton Relay, a key symbol of unity and shared purpose in the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.
The historic baton was received during a vibrant ceremony held at the Bo District Council Grounds, where local officials, athletes, community members, and business leaders gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion. The event was spearheaded by Mohamed Vangahun, Deputy Director of Sports (South), alongside other regional stakeholders.
The relay procession commenced in the New London area, where a community cleaning exercise was conducted in line with this year’s environmental theme: “Reducing Plastic for a Safer Environment.”
From New London, the baton journeyed through key landmarks, including the Office of the Resident Minister South, traversing Bo’s main streets before concluding at the Office of the Mayor of Bo City. The day’s events were marked by traditional performances, sporting exhibitions, and enthusiastic public participation.
The King’s Baton Relay is a cherished tradition of the Commonwealth Games, symbolizing peace, unity, and the enduring values of the 72 member nations and territories. Each baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III, which will be read aloud during the Games’ opening ceremony in Glasgow.
For the 2026 Games, each participating country features a uniquely designed baton. Sierra Leone’s edition named the “Normoli Baton” embodies the nation’s cultural heritage and proudly displays ts national colors, serving as a symbol of pride, identity, and unity on the global stage.
During the event, Bo District Council Chairman Victor Koseh Hindowa described the occasion as “a proud day for Bo and for Sierra Leone,” noting, “This event demonstrates our ongoing commitment to global unity and development through the power of sports.”
Lona Yovonie, President of the Athletics Association in the Southern Region and a participant in the relay, expressed her joy:
“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. I hope it inspires our youth to see sports as a path to discipline, personal growth, and achievement.”
Bo is one of several cities across Sierra Leone selected to host the King’s Baton Relay an initiative that underscores the nation’s dedication to youth empowerment, sportsmanship, and international cooperation through the Commonwealth Games.
Sierra Leone has proudly participated in the Commonwealth Games since 1958, using platforms such as the Baton Relay to strengthen community engagement and showcase its sporting potential on the world stage.